The doctrine that we are naturally immortal came from pagan philosophy. In the darkness of the great apostasy it became a part of the Christian faith, were it has now replaced the truth that " the dead know nothing" (Ecclesiastic 9:5-6). Many people believe that the spirit of the dead are the " ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation " (Hebrew 1:14).
The belief that spirits of the dead return to help or destroy the living has prepared the way for modern spiritualism. If the dead are entrusted with knowledge far beyond what they had before, why not return to earth and instruct the living? If spirit of the dead hover around their friends on earth, why not communicate with them? How can those who believe in human consciousness in death reject "divine light" that comes through glorified spirits? Here is a channel that people think is sacred but which Satan uses. Falling Angels appears as messengers from the spirit world.
The Prince of evil has power to bring before people the appearance of departed loved ones. The counterfeit is perfect, reproduced with amazing exactness. Many take comfort in the assurance that their loved ones are enjoying heaven. Without suspecting danger, they open their lives "to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1).
The judgment does not take place at death. "He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness" (Acts 17:31). " Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of saints, to execute judgment on all" (Jude 14, 15).
But if the dead are already enjoying heaven or writhing in the flames of hell, what need is there for a future judgment? Ordinary minds can understand God's Word on these points. But can an unbiased mind see either wisdom or justice in this current theory?
While it is true that the results of trickery have often been presented as genuine manifestations, there have also been clear exhibition of supernatural power, the direct work of evil angels. When some come face to face with happening they cannot explain as anything but supernatural, they will be deceived and will accept them as the great power of God.
With the help of Satan, Pharaoh's magicians counterfeited the work of God (Exodus 7:10-12). Paul testified that before the coming of the Lord we will see "the working of Satan, with all power, signs and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deceptions" (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
People are deceived by the miracles that Satan's agents actually do, not that they only pretend to do.
Furthermore, God has forbidden all pretending communication with departed spirits. The Bible says that "familiar spirits," as these visitors from other world were called, are "the spirits of demons" (Numbers 25:1) (Psalm 106:28) (1 Corinthians 10:20) (Revelation 16:14). God prohibited dealing with them under penalty of death (Leviticus 19:31 and 20:27).
The belief that spirits of the dead return to help or destroy the living has prepared the way for modern spiritualism. If the dead are entrusted with knowledge far beyond what they had before, why not return to earth and instruct the living? If spirit of the dead hover around their friends on earth, why not communicate with them? How can those who believe in human consciousness in death reject "divine light" that comes through glorified spirits? Here is a channel that people think is sacred but which Satan uses. Falling Angels appears as messengers from the spirit world.
The Prince of evil has power to bring before people the appearance of departed loved ones. The counterfeit is perfect, reproduced with amazing exactness. Many take comfort in the assurance that their loved ones are enjoying heaven. Without suspecting danger, they open their lives "to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1).
The judgment does not take place at death. "He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness" (Acts 17:31). " Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of saints, to execute judgment on all" (Jude 14, 15).
But if the dead are already enjoying heaven or writhing in the flames of hell, what need is there for a future judgment? Ordinary minds can understand God's Word on these points. But can an unbiased mind see either wisdom or justice in this current theory?
While it is true that the results of trickery have often been presented as genuine manifestations, there have also been clear exhibition of supernatural power, the direct work of evil angels. When some come face to face with happening they cannot explain as anything but supernatural, they will be deceived and will accept them as the great power of God.
With the help of Satan, Pharaoh's magicians counterfeited the work of God (Exodus 7:10-12). Paul testified that before the coming of the Lord we will see "the working of Satan, with all power, signs and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deceptions" (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
People are deceived by the miracles that Satan's agents actually do, not that they only pretend to do.
Furthermore, God has forbidden all pretending communication with departed spirits. The Bible says that "familiar spirits," as these visitors from other world were called, are "the spirits of demons" (Numbers 25:1) (Psalm 106:28) (1 Corinthians 10:20) (Revelation 16:14). God prohibited dealing with them under penalty of death (Leviticus 19:31 and 20:27).
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